Grand Lake Colorado: Explore the Western Rockies and the charms of a lake-side village

Nestled along the shore of the largest and deepest natural lake in Colorado, the village of Grand Lake (founded in 1881), is a popular vacation destination known for its mountain rustic architecture and small town pleasures.

Explore the Village of Grand Lake

Visit the Kauffman House and museum in 1892, stroll and shop wooden boardwalk that lines Grand Lake's main street, go fishing, boating, hiking and swimming right in town.

One of the best ways to get to know the village of Grand Lake is just to stroll the town and explore the area. The Kauffman House is a fascinating building with an intriguing history. Built on the lake by Ezra Kauffman of hand-hewn logs, his first wife left him after experiencing the cold and hardships of frontier living. But his second wife, Belle Stowell was a teacher and seemed to thrive in Grand Lake. After Ezra died in 1920, Belle and their daughters turned the house into a summer hotel, which they ran for over 25 years. Self-tours are available.

Back on Grand Avenue, walk along the straight out of history wooden boardwalk and into the shops and galleries. When evening comes, another highlight of a visit is the chance to see a performance of the delightful and quite professional Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre.

To experience the true beauty and scope of Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake, head over to Grand Lake Marina to rent your own pontoon, kayak or canoe. You can also arrange for one of their comprehensive and informative tours of the lakes. And be prepared to take photographs. The views are stunning and the houses along the shore range from hidden charm to outright luxury.

The Rockies Meet Grand Lake

Grand Lake is the western gateway to the Rocky Mountain National Park. And some of the trails are at the edge of town. Go to the East Inlet Trailhead at the fare east end of Grand Lake to start your hike up Adams Falls. This 0.6 mile (round trip) walk is fairly flat and you can extend your hike further beyond the falls to the meadow. Or, take another trail all the way up to Lone Pine Lake – 11 miles round trip.

Lodging
Built in 1920 Grand Lake Lodge is open summers only. The view from the porch is worth the trip up. Daven Haven Lodge provides both excellent food, and rooms. Western Riviera Lakeside Lodging offers clean and comfortable motel style rooms just steps from the water.

Lakeside Terrace Dining is a hidden gem with a patio offering a superb view of Grand Lake. They are in the process of determining their hours and it’s worth giving them a call (970-531-1343 or 970-627-3580) to see if they are serving the public and the hours. For a dude ranch experience in a charming riverside setting, the Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch. This all-inclusive vacation rents only by the week, and includes all your meals, horseback riding, fly-fishing/fishing, kid’s program, hayrides, campfires, mountain biking, Jeep rides, evening and entertainment.

The Western End of Rocky Mountain National Park

From Grand Lake drive into the Rocky Mountain Park itself and up Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuously paved road in the United States, to the Alpine Visitor Center. Trail Ridge Road covers the 48 miles between Estes Park and Grand Lake, but you’ll want to drive it for the spectacular scenery. Eleven miles of this high highway are above treeline at 11,500 feet. You'll drive across America's tundra up to a high point at 12,183 feet elevation. There's less traffic going from Grand Lake towards Estes Park. And if you only want to get to the visitors center, it’s significantly closer to Grand Lake.

Note: the road is only open in summer, and even then the road could be closed. Ask as you enter the park for up-to-date information. And if it's closed, there's still plenty of other sights in this magnificant park.

The first 10 miles of the trail is known for its wildlife sightings. And along the way stop at Holzwarth Historic Site. It's been restored to it 1920 appearance as a guest ranch. Interpretors provide guided tours of the buildings and the life and history of the family.

Come in winter and Grand Lake is one of the few towns that allows snowmobiles on the town streets, and offers 300 miles of snowmobile trails suitable for beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders. Trails can be accessed from many of the local lodges, motels, hotels, bed and breakfasts and inns (some of which have onsite rentals).

For more information on visiting Grand Lake go to Grand Lake County and Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce.